A North East hospital is one of the top performers within its group, a report has revealed.

The Newcastle Nuffield Hospital carried out more than 45,000 outpatient consultations last year. It also increased staff numbers by nearly 20 per cent and has seen mayor refurbishment work in 2000.

The Nuffield has also launched several new clinical services in the last year, including CT scanning, an allergy clinic, neurophysiology services and a general medical clinic.

The hospital in Clayton Road is part of the Nuffield Hospitals Group, one of the UK's largest private healthcare providers.

Neil Permain, Hospital manager, said he was delighted with the report.

He said: "Both our Hospital's success, and that of the group as a whole, is down to efforts of our top class clinical, management and support teams, and to providing fast, high-quality treatment to all our patients."